In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Maine State Police will
display “No Excuse for Elder Abuse” bumper magnets on troopers’ cruisers until
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June15th.

Over 33,000 older Mainers are abused each year.[1] Elder abuse can include
financial exploitation, physical and sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect,
and abandonment. Where one form of abuse is present, other types of abuse are
often being perpetrated. Recently, work in Maine has resulted in a more
multidisciplinary approach to addressing elder abuse, where law enforcement is
taking a lead role in helping prevent and respond to the issue.

“Elder abuse cases are very complex and in order to properly address them,
it’s important for a team of people to be at the table,” says Maine State
Police Sergeant Patrick Hood. “We know that we need to work with advocates,
health care representatives, financial institutions, legal aid services, and
others to effectively respond to this issue.”

Part of addressing elder abuse is raising awareness about the fact that it’s
happening to older adults in communities across Maine. Often when people become
more aware of the issue, they may start to notice signs of elder abuse in
neighbors and other community members. Sergeant Hood says that checking in on a
neighbor or speaking up when you notice something amiss could change someone’s
life.

“We’ve had cases where people don’t want to be in someone else’s business,
so they just don’t say anything,” Hood said. “However, that is often how elder
abuse cases come to light. A report to law enforcement can be confidential, so
if you see something, say something.”

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day officially takes place on Sunday, June 15.
To learn more about how to prevent and respond to elder abuse in Maine, visit www.elderabuseprevention.info.